Pregnancy/bf and anti depressants

From my own experience I took fluoxetine while pregnant and BF with both my DC and ten years later I can promise you it did them no harm. Fluoxetine has been used by lots of BF mums and I was reassured by psychiatrist that it was safe. The proof is my 2 intelligent happy sons. Xxxxxx

My daughter has a history of anxiety and depression and was determined to come off her meds during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She struggled on until her baby was 10 months old, but finally felt she needed medical support. She now wishes she'd gone to the doctor sooner - the meds she's been prescribed have made such a huge difference and she's still breastfeeding. X

Virtually every drug will have that written on the leaflet. The pharmaceutical companies cannot test their drugs on pregnant women because it would be unethical. They write it so no one can sue them!

In pregnancy, doctors use a risk/benefit analysis to decide whether or not to use a drug. For example, my asthma was dreadful in my last pg. I needed 2 courses of oral steroids. The leaflet said not to take in pg. The doctor said the risk of oxygen deprivation to my baby was many, many times higher than the risk of the Prednisone.

I think it may be a good idea to ask if your care could be transferred to the MH midwife team. They are specialists.

If you are planning to bf, my advice would be to get a support network.

I had a hellish time with my eldest. I contracted infective mastitis which led to sepsis. I had to spend 8 days in hospital on IV antibiotics.

My second is now 15 weeks and there have still be challenges but I have people I know and trust to phone and see for advice. Go to all your local NHS bf cafés, go to your local LLL meeting and get the leader's number, put the bf helpline numbers on your fridge, meet with/phone the Infant Feeding Specialist at the hospital as well as reading - kellymom.com, Dr Jack Newman's website plus books - The Food of Love, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.

I took Fluoxetine while bfing two of my children and when pg with one of them too. This was on the advice of my obstetric consultant who has a reputation for being really cautious about use of drugs in pregnancy. They are now bright and bouncy 7 and 8 yo.

Nearly all medicine leaflets say do not take when pg. The medical staff have access to more subtle advice on what is and isn't suitable.

I know this is a really hard decision to make - but it is important that you look after your mental health too. I know you say you don't feel desperately bad now but it might be better to manage this situation now rather than take the risk that it does escalate into something more serious? Do be kind to yourself.